Rotary type snow removal device



F. A. CADY May 31, 1955 ROTARY TYPE SNOW REMO VAL DEVICE Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 16, 1951 kfl T lnnentor Wag d R Cba q Gttomeg y 1955 F. A. CADY 2,709,311

ROTARY TYPE SNOW REMOVAL DEVICE Filed Feb. 16, 1951 3 Sheet-Sheet 2 Inventor Gttorneg y 31, 1955 I F. A. CADY ROTARY TYPE SNOW REMOVAL DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 16, 1951 United States Patent ROTARY TYPE SNGW REMOVAL DEVICE Floyd A. Cady, Clymer, N. Y.

Application February 16, 1951, Serial No. 211,229

' Claims. (Cl. 37-43) This invention relates to improvements in devices for use in clearing snow from highways and other generally flat surfaces and is more particularly directed to devices so designed as to be attachable to the front ends of, and be operated by, motor vehicles such as trucks and tractors.

It is known that many devices have heretofore been utilized in the highway and surface clearance of snow. Such devices have generally been of one of two forms. The conventional V or inclined pusher blade plow has been used to crowd snow to one or both sides of a given path of travel. A vehicle to which such a plow was attached required considerable driving power and some special means to obtain adequate traction, such as through the use of multiple drive wheels, chains, etc. Snow clearance devices of this general type are well suited to the removal of fairly light snowfall and effect adequate clearance with considerable rapidity. In areas where repeated piowing occurs, snow banks frequently render this type of plow inefficient and, therefore, resort has necessarily been made to the use of a snow clearance device in the form of what is generally known as a rotary plow. In the rotary plow, rotating worm members are caused to bite into snow banks, break up the snow, and feed it to a conveyor or exhaust chute, which disposes of the snow above and to one side of the path of travel. The rotary type plow gives excellent results in the clearance of high snow banks resulting from drifting but, due to its slow speed operation, is not satisfactory for use in keeping cleared many miles of highways. Thus, it is evident that in order to clear snow under any and all storm conditions, it is necessary to provide not only the high speed pusher blade type plow but also the slow speed rotary type plow.

The present invention provides a snow clearance de vice than for efficiency in operation, combines the speed of the pusher blade type plow with the drift cutting slow speed rotary plow and the invention is therefore primarily directed to, and has for an object, a device that will function with rapidity and efficiency to clear or remove snow from any given area or highway and under all snow conditions.

It is another object of the invention to provide a snow clearance device that includes power driven mechanism for cutting into snow banks or drifts with great rapidity and disposing of the snow in such a manner that it will not constitute a future clearance hazard.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a snow cearance device that not only cuts into and breaks up compacted snow, but disposes of such snow under force.

Another and important object of the invention lies in the provision of a snow clearance device that is operable to discharge or dispose of the removed snow selectively to either side of the path or" travel of the device.

Another and important object of the invention lies in the provision of a snow clearance device that includes 2 mechanism which may be adjusted to carry out the efficient removal of snow under all conditions, such, for example, as loose, newly fallen snow, or packed or drifted snow.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of the fol lowing specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in which Fig. l is a side elevational view of the device embodying the invention and shows such device attached to and operable at the front end of a powered vehicle;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of the device, parts being broken away and sectioned to disclose the relationship of snow cutter, fiinger, and forced air exhaust;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view, taken through the device substantially as suggested by line -'.4 of Fig. 3, and shows full-line side elevational details of one of the two operative units;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the unit shown in Fig. 4 and discloses the provision of a removable cutter;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged rear elevational view of the device showing details of air control for the discharge fans;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken substantially as suggested by the lines 7-7 of Fig. 4, and shows the relationship between snow flingers and the exhaust duct; and

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 and shows a modification of the invention wherein disposal or exhaust of the snow may be selectively directed to either side of the device. I

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the reference numeral if is employed to generally designate the forward end of a motor vehicle of the type to which the invention is applicable. The forward portion of the vehicle shown takes the form of a conventional truck having the usual frame 11, engine 12, cab 13, and wheels 14. Mounted on the frame, to the rear of the cab 13, is a power drive unit 1e. This unit may be operated through any well known mechanismfrom the vehicle motor or, as suggested, the unit may be operated by a separate power plant 17. In the present illustration of the invention two drive shafts 13 extend forwardly from the unit 16, one on each side of the frame i1; These drive shafts are provided with suitable universal joints 19 in order that the forward or coupled shafts 21 may be capable of as much vertical movement as may be required in the operation of the invention.

In the present illustration of the invention two duplicate snow clearance units are provided, being mounted in an enclosure 22. The enclosure takes the form of twin drum-like housings 23, open at their fronts and having continuing forward flanges 24 that form a rectangular snow scoop 26, substantially as suggested in several views of the drawings. The particular details of the scoop are only of importance to the present invention in that there is provided a flared receiving opening for gathering snow which will serve as a measure of the width of the path of snow clearance. It is found convenient to provide runners 27 at the lowermost corners of the scoop 26, these runners serving to prevent actual contact of the scoop with the surface to be cleared. As shown in Fig. 7, the housings 23 are provided with exhaust pipes 28 which join and form a single exhaust duct 29.

The enclosure 22 is shown to be mounted on the vehicle by pairs of converging arms 31 which are pivotally secured to the vehicle frame 11 substantially as suggested at 32. Any suitable mechanism may be employed to support the device in desired pivotal relation to the vehicle such, for example, as the use of a frame 33 on which a pivoted link 34 is mounted. The free end of this link is fitted with a chain 36 that is suitably attached to arms 31. Any operative means may be employed to raise or lower link 34 such, as for example, as the illustrated hydraulic ram 37. It will be understood that the extent to which the device may be raised or lowered about the pivots 32 is sufficient for all purposes of snow clearance or for riding free of the surface on which the vehicle is traveling and also that such adjustment or movement of the device is within the range of the universal joints 19 of the drive shafts 18.

It will be noted that the forward portion 21 of each drive shaft projects horizontally into the center of each housing 23 and terminates adjacent the scoop 26. Substantially midway of the housing, each shaft 21 mounts a hub 38. The base of this hub terminates in a radially extending disk 39, the diameter of which is only slightly less than the inside diameter of the housing to provide operative clearance. On the rear face of each disk, and adjacent its periphery, a series of fan blades 41 are mounted. These blades are curved or scooped, substantially as suggested in Fig. 3 of the drawing. The rear wall 42 of the housing is formed with a central opening 43 by which to provide air intake for the fan. In order that the force of air from the fan may be controlled to accord with operation of the device as a whole, a pair of closures 44 are provided for the opening 43 of each housing. These closures may be arranged in the manner indicated in the drawing; that is, by pivotally mounting corresponding ends on a pin 46. The closures are swung about the pin through a pair of links 47 which are pivotally joined to an operating lever 48 having a conveniently accessible handle 49. The central portion of each closure is semi-circularly recessed, as at 51, in order that such closures may encircle the drive shaft 21 when in a position to close the opening 43. It will be observed that the blades 41 of the fan are thus enclosed by the circular wall of the housing, disk 39 and wall 42, and that air drawn in through the opening 43 is forced outwardly into the duct 29 through an opening in a laterally extending portion 52 of said duct (see Fig. 4).

The outer face of the disk 39 supports a series of plane, radially extending iiinger blades 53. These blades are attached at their inner ends to the hub 38 and extend to the disk edge, and are of a number and arrangement substantially as suggested in the broken away disclosure thereof in Fig. 3. Attached to the free or front sides of the blades 53 are intermediate and outer rings 54 and F 56. Each of these rings carries a series of studs 57 which serve as an accurate locater for a snow cutter 58.

One snow cutter 58 is intended to be mounted on each shaft 21 directly forwardly of the end of the hub 38.

Each cutter includes a series of three rings; namely, an

outer ring 59, intermediate ring 61, and inner ring 62. The inner ring is apertured, as at 63, to receive the threaded. end 64 of the shaft 21. The outer ring 59 is of a diameter to have operative clearance within the housing 23. A series of radially disposed blades 66 are mounted on and secured to the rings 59, 61, and 62, in any suitable manner, as by welding, and the points of securement are such that the rings are on common center. Each blade 66 includes a comparatively shallow, curved, inner end 67 which is attached to the inner ring 62. Both the width and curvature of the blade increase from its inner end to its outer cutting end 68. Of course, the outer end of each blade is secured to the outer ring 59 and the intermediate portion 69 of the blade is secured to the intermediate ring 61. Suitable apertures 71 are made in the intermediate and outer rings of the cutter and are located so that they will register with and receive studs 57. This arrangement serves to accurately locate the cutter on the rings 54 and 56 of the flinger and, when suitable nuts are attached, the cutter, for all operative purposes, becomes one Cfl with the fiinger and the fan. It is also contemplated to provide a nut 72 which is engaged with the threaded end 64 as an additional means of securing the cutter in place. It will be observed that a key 73 is carried by the shaft 21 and extends sufliciently beyond its engagement with the hub 38 to be received in a slot in the inner ring 62 of the cutter. It will also be observed that when the cutter is mounted as shown in Fig. 4, the widest part 68 of each blade lies within the housing 23 and immediately adjacent the scoop 26.

Attention is now directed to a comparison between Figs. 7 and 8. In Fig. 7 it is shown that the housings are provided with exhaust pipes 28 and that these pipes join to form a single exhaust duct 29. Furthermore, it is to noted that the operating unit in each housing 23namely', fan 41, flinger 53, and cutter 58, are rotated by their respective shafts 21 in the same direction. It is also evident that all snow picked up by the cutter blades and thrown into the pipes by the flinger blades, will be exhausted through the duct 29 only to one given side of the device and that it is not convenient with this structure to otherwise direct the exhausted snow. In the disclosure of Fig. 8, it is proposed to modify the housing structures, substantially as indicated by the numeral 74. These housings are separate and distinct throughout a considerable portion of their circumference but open into a common area 76 at the top. Angularly directed ducts 77 and 78 open into this common area 76 of the housing. At substantially the place or point of meeting of the ducts there is located an exterior arm or operating lever 79 which connects and serves to manipulate a shutter 81. The shutter is, of course, so proportioned and located that upon manipulation of the lever 79 in one direction, the opening 82 in the duct 77 will be closed 'or, in the opposite direction, the opening 83 in duct 78. It will be understood that the operative units in each housing 74 are identical with the corresponding units previously described with, however, the exception that the fan blades 41 and cutter blades 66 are opposed. By driving shafts 21 in opposite directions, such as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 8, snow drawn into the device by the blades 66 will be flung by blades 53 into the common area 76 of the housing. If the shutter is turned in one direction to close off duct opening 82, then the flingers of both units will force snow out through duct 78. Then, again, should it be desired to expose or exhaust snow from the opposite side of the device, the shutter 81 is moved to close opening 82 and the entire exhaust output Will pass out through duct 77. It is to be understood that both ducts 77 and 78 open to the fans in substantially the same manner as already described in connection with the previous modification.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, a brief description of its operation is believed to be in order. The device is first attached to the forward end of a vehicle, substantially as shown, and suitable coupling is made between the drive shafts 18 and the extensions 21 thereof. The ram 37 is next operated to lower the scoop to a position such that the runners 27 will either contact or be in near proximity with the surface to be cleared. If a separate power plant is provided for the drive shafts 18, this may now be started to rotate the units in the housings 23. It will be understood that these units revolve at a quite rapid rate. When the vehicle is moved forwardly into an area of snow, the scoop tends to crowd such snow toward the cutter blades and these blades each take a small slice of the snow and,

due to their contour, crowd such snow into the flinger. Since the blades of the fiinger are operating at the same rate of speed as the blades of the cutter, the small slices of snow will be easily accommodated and rapidly rotated and flung upwardly into the exhaust pipes 28. For satisfactory results in the clearance of snow, such show must be deposited at some distance from the cleared area and, in order to accomplish this, an exhaust stack must be of a length which is not too great for the snow flingers to handle. Furthermore, the exhaust duct may have one or more curves in it which would also tend to impede the free flow of snow or even possibly cause packing and blocking of the duct. To overcome any such possibility and at the same time be able to deposit snow at a sufiicient distance from the cleared area, applicant has provided a fan for each unit. The fan drawing air from the rear of the device, forces such air into the duct at a point where it will mix with the snow thrown into the duct by the flinger. Thus, with the air from the fan giving the snow impetus, in addition to that provided by the flinger, such snow will be forced out of the exhaust duct regardless of its length or the possibility of one or more curves therein, and with sufficient force to be deposited at a considerable distance from the area being cleared.

It is believed that through the provision of a rapidly rotating cutter and means for flinging and exhausting cut snow, the present invention provides a snow removal device which may be operated at considerable ground speed. Should the device be used to clear packed or banked snow, the cutters operating at a high rate of speed, will very rapidly slice into such snow and each slice being relatively small, will easily find its way onto and from the flinger into the exhaust duct. On occasion, pieces of ice, sticks of wood, or stones are embedded in the snow and it is probable that the cutter blades may become somewhat bent or damaged by reason of highspeed contact therewith. Should this occur, it is a simple matter to remove and replace the entire cutter, or remove the cutter and repair or replace the damaged blades. It

will also be apparent that several types of snow cutters may be provided with each device for the purpose of handling the removal of snow under all conditions. For example, if the device is to be used for the clearance of snow from a highway and such snow is relatively light, a cutter having blades inclined so as to each take greater bites would be used. However, if the snow to be removed is somewhat packed, such as might occur with drifts after a thaw, a cutter having blades inclined to take shallow bites would be more suitable and would be installed. Additionally, it will be appreciated that by changing the speed of rotation of the units of the device, said device may also, without changing cutters, be caused to clear snow under different conditions. This change in speed of rotation of the units would be found most practical wherein, in the clearance of highways, one area has a deeper fall of snow than another.

Although applicant has shown and described only two forms of his invention, it will be apparent that the number of blades of the cutter, flinger, and fan, as well as their radial arrangement and contour may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention insofar as the variations of these parts are within the scope of the annexed claims.

Having thus set forth my invention, what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent 1s:

1. In a snow removal device, a drum-like housing having a front opening, a scoop extending forwardly from said opening, a drive shaft extending horizontally into said housing from the rear thereof, a snow cutter on said shaft adjacent said scoop, the blades of said cutter being arranged radially and uniformly curved in cross section, a disk in said housing, a hub integral with and extending from one face of said disk, said hub being keyed to said shaft, 21 series of radially arranged peripheral blades joined to the other face of said disk, a series of plane radial blades extending from said hub to the periphery of said disk, means carried by said plane blades cooperating with and removably securing said cutter as a unit thereto, and an exhaust duct connected with said housing adjacent said peripheral and plane blades.

2. in snow removal device having a drum-like housing with a front snow receiving opening, a drive shaft extending into the center of said housing, a snow removal unit in said housing mounted on said shaft and consisting of a disk, a series of exhaust fan blades joined to the rear of said disk, a series of flinger blades joined to the front of said disk, an exhaust duct opening into said housing adjacent said flinger and fan blades, a unital snow cutter located in front of said flinger blades, and means removably securing said cutter to said flinger blades.

3. in a snow removal device having a drum-like housing with a front snow receiving opening, a drive shaft extending into the center of said housing, a snow cutter and removal unit in said housing comprising a disk secured on said shaft, peripheral fan blades secured to one face of said disk, plane radial flinger blades secured to the other face of said disk, a series of cutter blades, means carried by and extending forwardly from said flinger blades, and means on the rear of said cutter blades cooperating with said first means to removably secure said cutter blades to said flinger blades.

4. In a snow removal device, a housing having a front opening and a snow scoop extending forwardly from said opening, a substantially horizontal drive shaft extending into said housing from the rear thereof, a snow removal unit in said housing mounted on said shaft, said unit consisting of a disk mounted perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said shaft, a series of exhaust fan blades to the rear of said disk, a series of flinger blades joined to the front of said disk, a unital snow cutter on said shaft located forwardly of said flinger blades,

said cutter including a blade supporting ring, and means for removably securing. said ring to the front of said flinger blades.

5. In a snow removal device, a housing having a front opening and a snow scoop extending forwardly from said opening; a substantially horizontal drive shaft extending into said housing from the rear thereof, a snow removal unit in said housing mounted on said shaft, said unit consisting of a disk mounted perpendicular to 1 the axis of rotation of said shaft, a series of exhaust fan blades to the rear of said disk, a series of flinger blades joined to the front of said disk, at least one ring joined to the frontal edges of said flinger blades, said ring being concentric with said shaft, a unital snow cutter consisting of at least one ring mounting a series of radially extending cutter blades, the ring of said cutter being removably engaged with the ring of said flinger blades whereby to enable replacement of said cutter without displacement of said removal unit.

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